Last week, I took my kids to the local ice cream parlor since we had a BOGO coupon that was about to expire. (Can’t let free ice cream go unclaimed.) I decided not to get my own, but just to snitch bites from everyone else’s. Mama tax. LOL. Anyway, my middle child loves eating with the little sample spoons, so he always asks for a free sample before he decides on a flavor. This time they happened to have a new chocolate flavor that was extra rich. Chocolate Truffle. He wasn’t sure if he would like it better than the flavor he usually got, so he tried a taste. It was scrumptious! He immediately decided to get that flavor, and I must admit that my spoon wandered over to his dish more frequently than the others. It was fabulous!
I thought I’d offer you the same courtesy – a free sample to help you decide whether or not you will like my latest novella, Love on the Mend.
In this scene, Dr. Jacob Sadler (on his way back to hometown he ran away from 17 years before) stumbles across a young woman who is trying to rescue a boy who has fallen through the rotted floorboards of an abandoned church. When Jacob offers to help, Mollie insists that he man the rope and pull her up after she drops down into the cellar in order to get to the boy below. However, Jacob takes one look at the boy’s leg and knows that lifting and jostling the lad would be the worst thing for him. So he ignores Mollie’s demand to lower the rope and takes measures into his own hands.
From Love on the Mend:
“Boneheaded stranger,” Mollie grumbled under her breath when the man’s face finally disappeared from above her.
Not that I’m complaining, she mentally amended. I appreciate that you sent help, Lord. Truly. It just would have been nice if the fella weren’t so all-fired sure he knew best. Adam ain’t got the time to waste.
Mollie sighed and turned her attention back to her charge. Poor kid. He was only ten, too young to know the risks of playing in an old building. She was nearly twice that age. Full grown. Responsible. So why hadn’t she made the church off limits during their game of hide and seek? She’d known the place was run down. Should have guessed it’d been dangerous, too. But she hadn’t. All he’d done was drop down from the rafters after she’d discovered his hiding place. The floor had completely given way. She could still hear the crack of the wood ringing in her ears . . . and the crack of Adam’s leg before his scream drowned out all other sound.
She’d nearly panicked before she found that length of rope in the storage closet. She’d tied all her hopes on that rope and now that stubborn, know-it-all man wouldn’t even toss the end down.
“I’m going to get you out of here, Adam.” She smoothed the hair off his forehead, alarmed by how clammy his skin had become. “You’ll be all right. I promise.”
Please let him be all right.
Adam moaned, but made no effort to speak. Was he losing consciousness? Mollie’s heart thumped against her ribs. He had to be all right. He and Uncle Curtis were the closest thing she had to family. She’d never forgive herself if—
Bang!
Mollie jumped. What on earth? Had that been a gunshot? She swiveled to look behind her.
Something crashed. Then a shaft of light penetrated the darkness and illuminated the outline of a man climbing down the cellar stairs.
Her jaw slackened. The boneheaded fella had actually done it. He must’ve shot the lock clean off the chain.
He marched straight up to her and dropped a coil beside her hip. “Here’s your rope.” It hit the dirt with a thud. She expected a smirk or a gleam of gloating in his eyes, but he didn’t even look at her. His attention zeroed in on Adam instead. “I’ll need wood for a splint. All this is rotted,” he said, scowling at the debris scattered around them. “See what loose boards you can pilfer from upstairs. No nails.”
Well, of course, no nails. She wasn’t an idiot. Mollie pushed to her feet, a scowl scrunching her forehead. Just because he succeeded in breaking down the cellar door didn’t mean he could come in and start taking over. Adam was her responsibility, and she wasn’t about to let some stranger mess with his leg. She’d seen what could happen when a bone wasn’t properly set. On the streets in Galveston where she’d grown up, many of the beggars had been crippled by similar injuries that had healed poorly. She wouldn’t risk the same thing happening to Adam.
Fisting her fingers in her skirt, she planted herself in front of the stranger. “We should wait for the doctor to tend his leg.”
The man glared at her. “Lady, I am the doctor.” He raised his hand and jiggled a black bag. A doctor’s bag.
Criminy! The Lord had not only sent her a man who could help get them out of the cellar, but he’d sent her a doctor. An honest-to-goodness doctor. One who wasn’t ancient like Dr. Bradshaw but young and strong and . . . downright handsome. She glanced away before he caught her staring. Really, a man’s eyes should not be that blue. Especially not when his hair was so dark. And here she’d been complaining.
“Hurry and fetch those boards,” he repeated as he hunkered down next to Adam, her looks obviously not distracting him in the slightest. “I’ll need your help setting the leg after I examine him.”
At least he didn’t expect her to stand around and wring her hands. That would save her from having to disabuse him of the notion later. After giving a quick nod to let him know she’d heard, Mollie turned and jogged toward the exit.
- So what about you? Are you a try-it-before-you-buy-it type of person?
- Ever discovered a new ice cream flavor or favorite treat after trying a free sample?
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Hi Karen, Your new book sounds wonderful!
I’m not necessarily a ‘try before you buy’ but on occasion, when offered I will try something offered in Costco and I have made purchases based on the sample.
Thank you for sharing your new story with us. I love the cover.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
We have Sam’s here, which is just like Costco. My kids love to go shopping there on a Saturday afternoon to try all the free samples. Sometimes you can almost make a lunch out of it. Ha! Every once in a while I purchase what I’ve tasted, but usually it’s just fun to sample things.
I do like trying something before buying it if I am given the chance
It’s kind of like trying on clothes for me, Janine. I can often buy shirts straight off the rack because my size is pretty standard. However, I rarely if ever buy a pair of pants without trying them on first. Or a dress. Some things you just have to try before you buy. 🙂
I like to try before I buy. I once tried the peppermint crunch ice cream.. good stuff.. The pumpkin pie blizzard I did not.
I loved this story & would love to read more 🙂
dkstevensneAToutlookD OtCoM
Great example, Deanna. 🙂 Now if I can just get my youngest to buy into that motto when it comes to vegetables. Ha!
Oh I like samples! Definitely want to know if I would like something before buying a bunch of it… my mom and I recently went out for ice cream… she tried a new chocolate flavor that they had and loved it… sadly they did not have it again when we went back.
Oh, I hate it when that happens. We have a self-serve frozen yogurt place, and the first time I went they had two flavors I adored – dark chocolate and raspberry. So good. I haven’t seen them since. Of course I only go about once every 2-3 month. (It’s usually how I bribe my boys to go get haircuts, promising them frozen yogurt afterward.) Maybe next time I’ll finally hit that perfect day again. 🙂
what a great taste you gave us! sounds so good,one of those books Id have to read straight thru and not put down,,luckly I am a good speed reader so can read a book in a night,but dont do it as often as id like too,,and love icecream,the new red velvet icecream is my favorite now
I’ve never had red velvet ice cream. Sounds luscious!
Princess Pink Pattern, Fine China Children’s Princess Tea Party Tea Set
I love the excerpt! I hope to read this book soon! And yes, I am a try-it-before-you-buy-it gal when it comes to books. 🙂
So are you the type of reader who stands in the bookstore, reads the back cover copy, then start reading chapter one before making a decision? I am! 🙂
Basically, yes. 🙂 Or if I’m on Amazon, I read the look inside part.
I don’t live near a bookstore any more; they are all gone.
They’ll end up on my list of The Way We Were. But when we did have bookstores, yes, I read the first couple of pages and could usually tell whether or not I would enjoy the book. I miss bookstores; they just feel good.
Isn’t that sad, Chelley? Thankfully, I still have a couple in my area, but they are much rarer than they used to be. Such a shame. Though, I have to admit I’m part of the problem. I buy on Amazon as much as anyone. However, when I’m in the mood to browse, I always go to the actual store.
Love samples so thank you for yours. I can’t wait to read Love on the Mend.
So glad you enjoyed it, Melanie! 🙂
Karen –
I love to sample! Anything….well, within reason, of course! I cannot wait to read your book! I’ve got it downloaded on my iPad…if I could just find the time to read it now! I’m in the middle of a huge project and as soon as it’s done, it’s first on my list to read! Can’t wait!
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy Jacob and Mollie’s story, Valri.
Thanks for the sample! It whet my appetite! I will be purchasing!
One of my favorite ice cream flavors of all time is pink divinity! Was made by Schwanns and only around at Christmas but I always made sure I had plenty. I started buying it after a sample but sadly they no longer make it!
Bummer, Connie. I hate it when they stop making one of my faves. Maybe Love on the Mend will cheer you up. 😉
“Try it before you buy it” is a good idea. There have been times I wish I had.
Our daughter has a favorite Ice cream place in Asheville, NC They make their own and have a wonderful selection of flavors. I try a different one every time and haven’t yet hit one I didn’t like. She is a deluxe chocolate lover and they know what she wants without her ordering. One of the advantages of being a regular, I guess. I’d rather not be that predictable.
I look forward to reading LOVE ON THE MEND. I know I will enjoy it as much as I have your others.
Mmm, Deluxe Chocolate does sounds awfully good. I tend to stick to what I like most of the time, too, so I can relate to your daughter. I admire you more adventurous types, though, and every once in a while I break out of my rut to try to imitate you. 🙂
Thank you for giving me a push to buy it lol…move been waiting for it since full steam ahead…I just hadn’t gotten around to buying it, off to go read it now lol
LOL! Wonderful, Alecia. Hope you enjoy the entire story. Maybe even read it with some ice cream. Ha!
Haha no icecream…..and I live it, I read most of it last night as a way to relax after fighting with technology lol
Oops loved it lol
So glad you enjoyed it, Alecia! With or without ice cream. 🙂
Hi Karen. Yes, I love the days when our Kroger store has taste a sample booths all over the store. Such fun. I don’t seem to find many try it first things. I do have to try clothes on before buying or will have to return to the store. I never order online or from a store magazine for there is always something wrong with it or doesn’t fit even if what I’ve worn in that size before. No luck there. So won’t buy unless can go to the store and check it out. My sister was the opposite. Everything she ordered was fine. 🙂 Your book sounds really good. I hope to win it so I can read it all. Thanks for a chance.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thanks, Maxie. I hear you on the clothes thing. I can get away with buying shirts online, but dresses and pants usually turn out badly. I’ve tried ordering shoes online, and half the time I have to send those back, too. Thankfully, most shoe places offer free returns. If you can find what you want in a store, trying it on is definitely the way to go!